PS - I also hear that the FCP shortcut key covers are a good idea. What do you think ??

I had keycaps on the very first edit bay I used (an AVID Media Composer worth $60k+ ten years ago) and I LOVED them. Never had key covers for FCP and never felt I needed them. Ask yourself: how good are you at remembering keystrokes. I prefer NOT to have them on my FCP machine as I type a LOT of text as well and found they got in the way when using other peoples FCP machines with them (I type 40+ wpm BUT need to look at the keys - I know where they all are but still can't touch type).

Good point - I think I'll be able to get it once I use the keys a bit - I also need to look at the keys. Just trying to find the best way to learn it. I feel like if I learn the "right" way - then it will be better in the long run.

check out the Ripple Training website, they have a bunch of free tuts, I had an FCP tutorial DVD from them when I first got started and it really broke everything down well and clarified everything for me, and had a really good multicam editing section as well:Ripple Training

there's plenty great free resources, but definitely worth it to invest in a training dvd or book...once you have the basics, you will find that any questions you may have can and will be answered here at dvinfo

Thanks a BUNCH for the keys guys ! I did check out Ripple - very good stuff ! I found a DVD tutorial on FCP 5 at Ripple in the "Blowout" bin for $20.00 - it's on the way. As far as lock/unlock audio/video - I need that now - working on my first rough edit. Captured some clips from my A1 yesterday , they went in without a hitch.

Battle, that is an awesome tutorial, I had not seen any of those yet on apple's site...picked up some cool tips there and re-evaluated some of my editing techniques as well. Although it's geared more for news/sports stuff, I think it can apply to most if not all types of editing..awesome

DV Info Net refers all where-to-buy and where-to-rent questions exclusively to these trusted full line dealers and rental houses...